RESTAURANT REVIEW

March 17, 2014 by: Sunny London

The Wagamama Menu and Why You Should Change Your Number!

Recently I attended an event at Wagamama that will change my eating and dining out habits forever. Prior to the event, I had to submit my favourite selections from the Wagamama menu so they could be analaysed by two fantastic foodies.

My favourite Wagamama menu items were:

#60 Mandarin and Sesame Chicken Salad (marinated chicken with mixed leaves, mandarin, coriander, red and spring onions, mangetout and cashew nuts with a sesame, thai basil and mint dressing, garnished with sesame seeds)

#48 Wagamama Pad-Thai (teppan-fried rice noodles in a sweet tamarind sauce with chicken and prawns or fried tofu, egg, beansprouts, leek, red and spring onions, chinese chives, garlic, ginger and chillies, garnished with coriander cress, fresh shallots, peanuts, mint and lime)

I arrived with 9 other bloggers for a unique experience involving a collaborative effort between their Executive Chef Steve Mangleshot and Channel 4 Taste Expert, Dr. Christy Fergusson.

After hearing a short introduction from each of them, we were each treated to an alternative dish from the Wagamama menu. The purpose was to learn about the science behind our favourite ingredients and to analyse our taste buds.

I received #37 Chicken Itame.

(Rice noodles in a spicy green coconut and lemongrass soup topped with stir-fried chicken, prawns or fried tofu, beansprouts, red and spring onions, bok choi, peppers, mushrooms and chillies, garnished with coriander and lime)

Chef Mangleshot & Dr. Fergusson picked up on my citrus preference from my original selection and picked this new dish to create a stronger sensory experience for me. It worked!

Dr. Fergusson, who is a Doctor of Psychology, Chartered Psychologist AND Nutritional Therapist, explained to us that only 10% of taste is determined by taste buds, and the other 90% is by smell. She also said that those who prefer chilli tend to be thrill seekers because endorphin levels are raised when eating them. We also learned that certain ingredients can trigger special emotions, memories and moods. This means our food preferences convey insight to our personalities. Whoa!!

Perhaps growing up in Florida triggers my citrusy selections on menus now?

I was a bit puzzled why Chef Mangleshot guided me to chilli, considering I’m not a big risk taker. However, I did take a pretty big gamble with naming a blog Sunny in London, when let’s face it, the town isn’t known for its tropical climate 😉

That’s my second entrée, #44 2^nd entrée- Ginger Chicken Udon.

(Teppan-fried udon noodles with chicken, egg, beansprouts, red and spring ionions, mengetout and chilli, garnished with pickled ginger and coriander)

It was delish! I always stick with Pad Thai because I not only love the flavours, but also I try to eat gluten free. Through talking with Chef Mangleshot, I learned that it’s easy to substitute rice and noodles on the Wagamama menu for gluten free meals. I always thought they didn’t have flexibility because everything is so keenly defined by numbers on their menu.

Aside from the amazing food, a highlight of my night was talking to these two food stars.

It would be tough to find a chef who loves his profession more than Chef Mangleshot. In our conversation, he said, “For me, it’s about how well we do at Wagamama.” He truly wants people to converse with wait staff to learn alternatives to their favourite entrees, based on the key ingredients in them, and to explore the 60+ other Wagamama menu options.

The bloggers who favoured soy sauce, which forms the basis of dishes such as Yaki Soba, tried dishes such as Cha Han. This is Yaki Soba, but with rice. Dr. Fergusson suggested Donburi, because she says people who like saltier soy sauce flavours don’t like bitter dishes.

Dr. Fergusson also was a canon of information regarding the science of food. I highly suggest you explore her website to learn more.

After my second course, I was really starting to feel like I was part of a Man vs. Food episode, but somehow I found room for the dessert tray!

Passion Fruit Cheesecake, White Chocolate and Ginger Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge Cake

So, I have to ask, Sunny friends…. When you go to Wagamama, do you order their Chicken Katsu Curry? Chef Mangleshot says it’s their most popular selection. If so, maybe you’d consider conversing with them to discover an alternative that might become your new favourite?

What do you think?

* My meal at Wagamama was complimentary. Opinions and pictures are entirely my own.

March 14, 2014 by: Sunny London

Bill’s Restaurant Covent Garden – Afternoon Tea with a Colour Explosion

I’m so excited to tell you about my experience with Bill’s Restaurant Covent Garden Afternoon Tea, Sunny friends! Bill’s is not only in a fabulous location but it also has a fun atmosphere with great food. Take a look inside…

I’ve certainly enjoyed great teas this year (The Royal Horseguards Hotel and last week’s Science Tea at the Ampersand Hotel), but as someone who can never pile enough cream on her scones, I’m always up for a new location.

Do you remember my recent post on St Martin’s Courtyard in Covent Garden? It’s one of my hottest new discoveries for inner sunshine in London. Recently, I had the opportunity to enjoy tea at Bill’s, while I met with Rebecca from Sister PR to learn more about this great area.

And here’s the first reason I love Bill’s Afternoon Tea… I was able to order their Hedgerow Fizz (a Prosecco and elderflower cocktail) in place of a pot of tea.

You know I love my bubbly, Sunny friends!

While I sipped on the juice in my flute and waited for sandwiches and sweets, I understood why there was a raspberry floating in my fizz. Bill’s simply does not hold back on colourful images anywhere!

It’s just loaded with sunshine and warmth!

After a very short wait, our three tiered feast arrived, and it was absolutely scrumptious.

The sandwiches are: cucumber and cream cheese, salmon and cream cheese, egg and cress and ham, tomato and mustard. The pastries are fruit flapjack, lemon meringue tart, chocolate fudge cake and strawberry cream tart.

And the final tier features fruit scones with cream and jam.

Rebecca and I were careful to split each selection so we both could share and enjoy the wonderful flavors. And, we finished every bite! I definitely felt many rays of sun during this afternoon tea!

Cheers to Rebecca and Sister PR for the complimentary tea.

If you’re looking for a casual, non-fussy tea that won’t destroy your budget, Bill’s Restaurant Covent Garden is a beautiful spot to enjoy. The Afternoon Tea is £9.95 per person and Sparkling Afternoon Tea is £12.95. It’s available from 2:30-5:30 every afternoon, for a minimum of two people.

I’d also suggest visiting their website to check out their fabulous breakfast, lunch and dinner menu as well. They have 16 locations in London and numerous others throughout England, including St Albans.

Have you been to Bill’s yet? What other suggestions do you have for a casual afternoon tea in London?

February 22, 2014 by: Sunny London

White Mulberries Cafe Review- A Tale of Twitter Fun

While we move to London because of its endless opportunities, sometimes they can be a bit overwhelming. So, on Tuesday evening, I decided to have Twitter choose my adventure, and I discovered a treasure, the White Mulberries Cafe London.

It’s a charming story, really. I had a 10:00am meeting near the Monument tube station, so I constructed this…

Tomorrow I'll be in the Monument/Tower Hill area all day. Need food/activity suggestions. Weather looks good. Please help & RT

— Sunny in London☀️ (@Sunny_in_London) February 18, 2014

And the Twitterverse responded with open arms, as it usually does.

@Sunny_in_London @SammyDornDLT go to @WhiteMulberries for sure!!!

— Rebecca (@runawaykiwi) February 18, 2014

@Sunny_in_London I was also going to say @WhiteMulberries the @StKats Docks area is lovely!

— Sarah (@cookesarah) February 18, 2014

@Sunny_in_London Old Tom's in Leadenhall Mkt under The Lamb pub. Boot & Flogger just over Ldn Br in Southwark

— Mark (@MarKomms) February 18, 2014

@Sunny_in_London Activities: Climb Monument.Visit site where GtFire 1666 started.Visit St Magnus the Martyr, superb model of ancient Ldn Br

— Mark (@MarKomms) February 18, 2014

Here’s how I made my decision…

@Sunny_in_London @cookesarah @StKats @runawaykiwi Thank you for the suggestions lovely people ! Yes, please make it tomorrow 🙂

— White Mulberries (@WhiteMulberries) February 18, 2014

I love it when a business takes the time to reach out to its potential or existing customers. Check out my post on how Neal’s Yard Remedies is top notch in that category.

So, White Mulberries Café London grabbed my attention. And thank you for the great directions!

We are very flattered @Sunny_in_London 🙂 We are based at @StKats right opposite @DickensInn1.A couple of mins walk from #towerbridge Thanks

— White Mulberries (@WhiteMulberries) February 19, 2014

It was fairly easy to find. This is the view from outside. Notice the Tower Bridge just in the center?

It’s located in this building…

I fell in love as soon as I walked in. That is, after I squeezed through the crowd! It’s certainly a popular place. I introduced myself as “Sunny in London” and thanked them for recognizing me on Twitter. It was tough to choose from all the delicious options.

Sandwiches, brownies, and cronuts… OH MY!

But, trying to keep things fairly in check with my waistline, I opted for two macaroons and a latte.

These weren’t just any macaroons, my Sunny friends. Can you guess what kind they were?

The pink one is made with Rose Water, and…. YEP- the lighter one is CHAMPAGNE! SCOOOOORRRRREEEE! You know Sunny loves her bubbly!

They were sweet, moist drops of sunshine that dissolved in my mouth.

Weather (pun intended) it’s a sunny in London day, or not, you need to get to White Mulberries Cafe. If you don’t believe me, you’re just simply out to defy the Twitterverse. And THAT can’t be SMART!

Special thank you to my tweeps for the referral and White Mulberries Cafe for the complimentary treats.

@Sunny_in_London Did you find somewhere to eat ? I forgot to reply. I used to work near there! Try the Drift or if you love burger Bodeans x

— New Girl in Toon (@newgirlintoon) February 19, 2014

So, Sunny friends, what other recommendations do you have? Has the Twitterverse ever helped you make an amazing discovery in London?

February 20, 2014 by: Sunny London

Whyte and Brown Restaurant- It’s Clucking Great!

For centuries we’ve pondered, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?’ It’s obvious at the Whyte and Brown Restaurant in London- both come first!

Located in one of my favorite hot spots, Kingly Court in Carnaby Street, this beautiful restaurant focuses on just two ingredients, chicken and egg. Ok, there’s another ingredient they incorporate… CRAFT BEER!

I stopped in for a quick lunch just before attending Think Ink’s Black Roses and Kraken Rum Valentine’s Day event and had a truly exceptional experience.

First, I ordered the Croquette Balls with Smokey Tomato Sauce from the Starter menu.

It features pancetta, shredded chicken and bechamel sauce. Doesn’t this just look AMAZE-BALLS?

Well, it definitely is!

Next, I selected the Wild Mushroom Risotto Scotch Egg from the Chicken and Egg portion of the menu.

Combined with truffle oil, aged Parmesan and healthy blend of curly kale, this dish is phenomenal! And just because I can’t resist a good pun, let’s go in for a closer, bird’s eye view…

Aside from the food being spectacular, I was really impressed with the service. I had the fortune of working with Vance McAllister, the Operations Director, when choosing my courses. I have to say, his knowledge of wine is top notch. He spent several minutes discussing my taste preferences and chose a glass that matched both of my food selections perfectly. Actually, he suggested an option for each course, but considering I was heading to an event sponsored by Kraken Rum, I needed to pace myself for the day. 😉

The restaurant spans several floors, and you can even eat outside.

No worries, they share the courtyard with Wright Bros. Soho Oyster House, and there are numerous heaters so you won’t get too cold on those chilly London days.

Other reasons you should peak your beak around Whyte and Brown Restaurant:

– They offer fantastic deals for Londoners. During the Tube Strike, if you quoted “Keep Calm” when you ordered, they took a whopping 50% off your food bill. Oh yeah!!! And when the strike was cancelled on the second week, they still offered 25% off. BOOOM! (Follow them on Twitter to keep in the loop.)

The tube strike may be cancelled but our strike deal isn't! Get 25% off your food bill all today! #RegentStreet http://t.co/i30vVlYWWq

— Whyte & Brown (@WhyteAndBrown) February 13, 2014

– Their new menu debuted on February 19^th and aside from offering many seasonal selections, it concentrates even more on pairing craft beers with their food. Check out their website to learn about their current Early Bird promotion.

– They purchase products from British producers and make an effort to know them personally. This includes working with micro-breweries across England.

– And finally, you should check them out, because I SAID SO!

As always, Sunny friends, let me know what you think of Whyte and Brown Restaurant when you visit. I’d love to hear feedback about the new menu.

February 15, 2014 by: Sunny London

Burger and Lobster London Review- £20 of juicy love!

Hello Sunshines! Grab a beer or glass of wine and have a seat, because this Burger and Lobster London review illustrates one of the juiciest discoveries I have made!

Not kidding.

After filling my soul with sun at the Dale Chihuly exhibition at the Halycon Gallery, I strolled through Mayfair to see where destiny would lead me. While navigating London’s tricky side streets via Maps on my iPhone, I saw “Burger and Lobster” featured on a nearby street and decided to give it a whirl.

Yikes! I couldn’t even squeeze inside because it was so packed. The bouncer hostess barricading the door indicated there would be a 45 minute wait. Bummer.

Around 45 minutes later, I had wandered to Soho and was beyond starving. Walking down Dean Street, I noticed another Burger and Lobster. “Enough already,” I thought. I’m going in!

Although, there was also an equally long wait, I was able to score a seat at their bar. Party of ONE in the HOUSE!

A bartender verbally conveyed the 3-option menu:

· Beef Burger (with/without bacon &cheese)

· Lobster (whole grilled or steamed)

· Lobster roll (served in a toasted brioche bun)

It’s quite simple really. If you’re vegetarian, this probably isn’t the place for you. And, if you like to eat gluten-free, you’re fairly limited to the whole lobster. Things could be worse, right? 😉

Oh yeah, and each entrée is £20, which includes salad and fries. They also have larger lobsters to share, which are priced by weight.

I anxiously awaited my order and started thinking maybe my hunger had caused me to be careless with my money. How could a burger be worth £20? I watched the ginormous clock tick and tick as I second guessed my decision.

About 5 minutes later…..

BOOOOOOM!

Check out the size of that bad boy!

Like the exquisite artwork I viewed earlier, this was a one of a kind masterpiece. In fact, I wasn’t sure if I should disrupt the image by eating it or if I should just play paparazzi and snap photos for you! But for that £20 ticket price, there really was only one thing to do.

DIG IN!

Just trying to get a firm grip on this hunka hunka beef was a struggle. As much as I tried to squish it together, I still couldn’t widen my jaws enough to get a clear top to bottom bite. While I tried, I felt a warm sensation drizzling down my arms.

JUICE JUICE BABY!!!!! Whoaaaaaaaaa.

With 10 ounces of 5 different cuts of beef, all I can say is- Hot damn this is the ticket!

I proudly finished every morsel, managed to graze through the salad, and put a fairly decent dent in the golden fries served as a side.

With a three option menu, quick service and quality food, Burger and Lobster made eating fun and WELL WORTH the £20. Also an honourable mention goes to the Soho staff member who creates their artwork. She’s super talented!

My suggestion to you is not to casually enter on a random day like I did. Either make a reservation at one of the locations that accepts them, or build the time in to your schedule and JUST DO IT!

I went back a few days after my visit to take some pictures inside when it wasn’t so crowded so you could have a peek at the fun, casual atmosphere.

Burger and Lobster has locations in: Mayfair, Soho, Farringdon, City, and Knightsbridge.

Check the website to see which ones take reservations, so you can avoid any confusion, and if you go, please let me know. I’d really like to hear about the lobster. It looked LA LA LUSCIOUS!

So, Sunny friends, where have you had delicious burgers in London?

February 5, 2014 by: Sunny London

Palm Court Brasserie- A Floridian’s French Feast

As I walked through Covent Garden trying to find a nice quiet space to sulk after my failed attempt to celebrate the Chinese New Year, I spotted the Palm Court Brasserie just off of the Piazza. How could this Florida girl not venture inside this tropical paradise to enjoy some liquid sunshine and French cuisine?

While I have to say, the “palm tree” in the entrance was a nice touch, it was actually the reasonably priced Sunday lunch options that reeled me in.

I immediately loved the beautiful 1920’s art nouveau atmosphere in this Parisian-style brasserie and appreciated the array of tables I could choose from at 2:30 in the afternoon.

The waiter quickly brought me a glass of Rioja Tempranillo and guided me through the menu. For £13.95, I could have a starter and main course. I chose the Smoked and Confit Salmon Roulade with Horseradish Crème Fraiche. When I asked his recommendation for the main course, his eyes ignited as he indicated the Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil and Shaved Parmesan was unbeatable.

My first course was fabulous, but I have to admit, nothing compares to truffle oil. The entrée was mind blowing. Although, sometimes I think you could pour truffle oil on anything and still come out holding Michelin stars!

About half way through my meal, I heard the two girls seated next to me giggle excitedly as their afternoon tea sandwiches and sweets hit their table. What a carbalicious delight! Before they started their feast, they allowed me to grab a quick picture to share it with you.

I regret I didn’t try the Cocktail of the Day, the St Germain Royale, but it sure is an excellent reason to return.

Sunny friends, if you’re in the Covent Garden area, do a truffle shuffle on over to the Palm Court Brasserie for an afternoon tea or other tasty delight. I’m sure you’ll be just as pleased as me. Or even better, let me know when you’re going and I’ll meet you for a St Germain Royale!

January 28, 2014 by: Sunny London

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Restaurant is La-fan-tastic!

Recently, I spent an entire sunny afternoon wandering Trafalgar Square, the Strand and Covent Garden. By chance, I stumbled on La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant and enjoyed a fantastic meal accompanied by outstanding service.

This restaurant features an excellent wine list and three stories, the top of which is available for large parties.

The staff who greeted me were very friendly and eager to seat me at exactly the table I preferred. Even better, once I got situated, they whisked over a smashing glass of Marques de Morano Tinto. If you’re a Sunny in London reader, you know that Rioja is my preferred “vintage grape juice.”

The authentic menu was impressive indeed, as there were clearly labeled vegetarian, gluten free and lower calorie options. But, let’s be honest, who’s thinking low calorie when facing an array of tapas dishes? 😉 Not any fun Sunny friend, for sure!

My server suggested three of the most popular menu options. I trusted her expertise, and it certainly was a great decision.

First, I had the Warm Winter Salad for £4.95

It’s a classic Spanish dish featuring broad beans and Serrano ham. It was yummy.

Next, I enjoyed the Gambras Al Ajillo (Andalucia) which was also £4.95. Feast your eyes on these succulent butterflied king prawns sautéed in a chilli and garlic infused oil.

These cooked crustaceans were amazing, and the chillis sure put a nice little AYE CARUMBA in my mouth. Beware to those who don’t fancy a dish with a hot, sexy kick!

I saved the most tempting dish for last. It’s the Pollo con Crema (Castilla) £5.25

It’s marinated chicken thighs with a creamy spinach and mustard sauce and was by far, my favourite. The chicken literally melted off of the bone. The toasted almonds really took the excellent flavor up another level. It was divine!

I learned two important things after I left.

One: La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant is steps away from Porterhouse Brewing Co.

Sometimes on the small London streets I’m not always sure which direction I’m heading. So, I literally didn’t realise that I ended up the same place I was just a few days before when I went on my Covent Garden Pub Crawl.

Two: The La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant has a Loyalty Card you can sign up for via their website. It indicates you can receive offers including: updates on the latest rewards, 20% off food from the main menu and a monthly treat, and member only offers & incentives.

I’ll definitely be back to try their “Famous Paellas.” It seems like it’ll be fairly easy to do since La Tasca Spanish Tapas has 40 locations throughout the UK and overseas! And, once I sign up for and receive this special card, they’ll certainly have a loyal tapas customer in me.